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Georgia signs standout legacy PJ Dean for Class of 2026

Jake Reuseby: Jake Reuse12/03/25ReuseRecruiting

Kirby Smart promised to remake the Georgia trenches in his tenure, and he’s made good on that in a major way. On Wednesday, he forwarded the position once again, securing the signature of four-star defensive lineman PJ Dean as part of the Class of 2026.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 109 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking, Dean ticks the tape at just over 6-foot-3, 255 pounds. He ranks as the nation’s No. 12 defensive lineman and No. 8 prospect in North Carolina for the cycle.

A product of Clemmons, North Carolina’s West Forsyth High School, the standout defender is no stranger to the Dawgs, having watched his older brother, Jared Wilson, feature on the Georgia offensive line on his way to the NFL.

Dean, however, was no lock despite that connection.

Strong pushes came from elsewhere, including the likes of Ohio State and, most notably, South Carolina, which pursued throughout his recruitment.

In the end, however, the Dawgs proved to be too much for Dean to resist.

”I have been to Georgia too many times to count on my hand because of family ties and things like that,” Wilson told Rivals’ Chad Simmons of the decision. “For me, the vibe really stands out to me. Being there makes me feel like Georgia is the best fit for me to be developed.

Rivals Scouting Report on PJ Dean

“Explosive jumbo athlete with blue-chip ability on either line of scrimmage. Measured at over 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, good length, and huge hands that measure over 10.5 inches. Cut over 50 pounds from his junior to senior year. Was considered an offensive line prospect until the offseason prior to his senior season. A super explosive straight-line athlete who runs extremely well in the combine setting. First-step quickness is readily evident in limited film on the defensive line. Has the strength in his hands to handle offensive linemen at the point of attack. Has limited experience on the defensive line, leading to murkiness in his evaluation and projection. How he takes to the position as a senior will be telling. After the weight cut, he may be more of a 5-technique at the next level. Younger brother of former Georgia center and 3rd round pick Jared Wilson. Young for the cycle, turning 17 years old in late June before his senior season.” – Charles Power, Rivals Director of Scouting, on PJ Dean

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